Hey everyone. I'm currently on episode 4 of Yomi No Tsugai and I'm thinking about dropping the anime. I already found the first episode kind of "meh"—it just didn't grab me at all. The second episode didn’t make it any better—if anything, it was worse—and after the second episode, I looked up who the author was. When I found out it was Hiromu Arakawa, I was totally surprised, because Hiromu Arakawa created one of my favorite anime with FMA (as well as many others), which is why I’m even more disappointed.
Now, about my issues: As I’ve heard, all the characters are in a gray area, but somehow it doesn’t really work for me. Sure, I’m only on episode 4, but from what I’ve read in summaries so far, these “justified gray areas” feel pretty weak. I’ll briefly compare it to FMA, because in that series, the gray area worked extremely well thanks to the world-building, and the characters really drew me in—even when they were murderers (like Scar).
- I just don't like Asa: I don't know what to say, but I just don't like her. No matter what trauma or troubled childhood she has, she's already failed in my book. Just the fact that she has the whole village slaughtered without batting an eye, and then, once she's out of the village, starts crying because Yuru is alive... Sorry, but that doesn’t work for me; I find the character unbelievable and unlikeable.
-I hate both clans: as I’ve already gathered, neither side is entirely black and white, but I don’t like either clan. Seriously, both are manipulative and unlikable. As I said, I don’t know what’s coming next—I’m only on episode 4, after all—but from what I’ve read, both clans just want to use Yuru as a pawn.
-Yuru: This isn’t a negative critique, but a positive one. Yuru works best for me; he's pragmatic and likable. I also really enjoy the dynamic between Sayuu (left and right) and Yuru, and by episode 4, Yuru had completely won me over (he's the only character in the entire series who gets along with Sayuu).
Before anyone starts mindlessly defending the series, I want facts to help me decide whether it’s worth my time or not, or if it’s going to get better. Because up until episode 4, the anime hasn’t managed to hook me at all—except for Yuru, I don’t like any of the characters so far and don’t find them believable either.
That’s why I’m asking: is it worth it for me to keep watching? I know Yuru and Asa are joining forces, but will Yuru ever turn against Asa and Kagemori? Or will it just be like, “I’ll forgive you everything because you’re family”? Because in my opinion, that doesn’t work—Yuru and Asa are practically strangers who only share blood. You can’t suddenly become family overnight, and if they can’t make me believe that the bond is slowly deepening, then this anime isn’t for me. And if Asa doesn’t change either, she’ll remain unlikable—especially since, as I’ve learned, she plays a major role in the story. Because the way Asa is right now, with her morals and all, it just doesn’t make sense. I simply don’t see any moral to the story itself at the moment.
I ran all of this through a translator because my English isn't the best. Please stick to the facts and avoid insults. Thanks for your feedback!